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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | BONITA SPRINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2015 Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs!
Whether you’re a resident of Southwest Florida or just visiting, we invite you to participate in any
of the following worship, study, mission or fellowship opportunities available at First Church. So,
as you plan your week, be sure to put “First things” first!
FIRST MISSIONS SPECIAL OFFERING
Annual Souper Bowl of Caring
The youth of FPC annually receive this special offering
on Super Bowl Sunday, as do youth in churches all
around the country. Today’s Souper Bowl of Caring
Offering supports the local ministry of Café of Life.
Hunger and poverty have a negative impact on individuals and the
communities in which we live, yet
we know there is joy in serving and
giving to those in need. At their
new Leitner Neighborhood Park
serving location, the Café of Life provides a balanced,
prepared meal every day, as well as take-home groceries and clothing for the poor and hungry of Bonita.
Their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas events were
attended by over 200 men, women, and children.
Café of Life is currently seeking volunteers who are
interested in sharing the love of God through Jesus
Christ with their clients. Volunteers don’t have to have
any special education or training, just a strong desire
to share God’s Word with those who desperately need
to hear it.
Learn more about Café of Life or volunteering. Stop by
the Missions kiosk in McClure Hall after worship or
call the Café of Life office at 239-495-9325.
Members of our Youth Ministry will be standing at
the exits with buckets to receive your offering.
Checks may be made out to First Presbyterian
Church with “Souper Bowl” or “Café of Life” in the
memo line. Thank you for supporting this valuable
ministry to the needy in our community.
BLIZZARD HITS BONITA SPRINGS!
Gretchen Carlson
Monday, Feb. 2 | 7:30 PM
We may not have seen a
single flake of snow, but the
winter storm that hit New
York this week had repercussions far to the south.
Our Bonita Christian Forum
speaker, Gretchen Carlson, was unable to
make her scheduled appearance on January 27. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thankfully, she was able to reschedule for this Monday, February 2.
Tickets for the January 27 event now serve
as your ticket for the February 2 event. If
you cannot attend, please share your tickets with neighbors or friends who can, or
return them to the church ticket office for
redistribution. Questions? Contact Event
Manager Jeff Wain at 239-992-3410 ext.
250.
2015 GREAT BANQUET RETREAT
Men: Feb. 5-8 | Women: Feb. 12-15
There is still time to RSVP to God’s invitation to the Great Banquet weekend retreat
for three days of study, discussion, worship,
singing and praying in Christian fellowship.
Visit the Great Banquet kiosk today or contact Lee Gery ([email protected]; 239-4986051) or David Mustian ([email protected];
239-498-5972).
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FIRST THINGS FIRST
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FIRST MISSIONS
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
PRC Gala & Art Auction
Sunday Morning Classes
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 6 PM
at the Hyatt/Coconut Point
Pastor Paul Fahnestock invites
you to sit at his table for this
event benefiting the Pregnancy
Resource Center of SW Florida.
There is no charge for dinner, but
there will be an opportunity to
donate or pledge support to this
ministry.
If interested in joining Pastor
Paul, please contact him at
[email protected] or
239-992-3233.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat needs volunteers to help
build a home for a deserving family right here in Bonita Springs.
The home site is at 26870 Red
Blossom Drive; volunteers can
come to help on Tuesdays from 8
AM to 2 PM. Whatever your talents, Habitat can use your help.
Questions? Call Paul Spinka at
630-640-8604.
VISITATION MINISTRY
TEAM MEETING
Monday, Feb. 2 | 11 AM
in Lightner Conference Room
Our Visitation Ministry visits
church members in local hospitals, rehabilitation and assisted
living facilities, and those who
cannot attend church regularly.
Coordinated by our Deacons, the
team meets once a month.
Questions about the Visitation
Ministry? Please contact Peggy
Stottmann (239-598-3841;
[email protected]).
D.I.G.: The Gospel Unleashed–Acts of the Apostles
10:05-10:45 AM | Great Room
Join us as our pastoral staff “digs” into the
Book of Acts, one chapter at a time! Explore how believers were empowered by
the Holy Spirit and worked to spread the
Gospel of Christ from Jerusalem to Rome.
The Screwtape Letters
10:05–10:45 AM | Price Chapel
Dr. Al Barrow (Director of Spiritual Life/Spiritual
Development Center) is teaching this engaging
class through March. A milestone in the history
of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters
derives much of its appeal from C.S. Lewis’s
startlingly original reversal: telling a story about
Christian faith from the perspective of a devil
trying to secure the destruction of one man’s soul. This book is
available in the BookCenter.
Special Note
Our Sunday morning Christian Education classes (listed above)
will not meet on Feb. 8 or 15 due to the Great Banquet retreats held on the church campus. Classes will reconvene on
Feb. 22.
Monday Pastor’s Class
Resumes Monday, Feb. 9 | 7 PM | CenterPoint
Don’t miss these informative and inspiring classes led by
members of our pastoral staff.
FEB. 9: What Christians Should Learn About Angels, Demons, Satan
Pastor John McWilliams
FEB. 16: A Close Up Look Inside Russia Today ∣ Pastor John McWilliams
Monthly Prayer & Share Group
Thursday, Feb. 5 | 2:30 PM | Hawk Hospitality Center
Has God done something special in your life that you would
like to share with others? Perhaps you have a special concern
and are in need of prayer and encouragement. That’s what
this group is all about. Pastor John McWilliams leads with a
devotional, a time for questions and an opportunity to share
joys, concerns and prayers.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
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IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS
Our Prayer Chain continues to pray for all who have asked for prayer. To be added or removed from the Prayer Chain, please call Sherri Feeley (992-2726) or place your written request in our “prayer
box” at the Welcome Desk.
Special Prayers
Please remember Iris Hocker, John McNutty, Dottie Reynolds, Gerald Wenzke.
Our Christian sympathy goes out to Mary Jane Meeker on the
death of her husband Howard “Bob” Meeker on Jan. 16 in Indianapolis.
Pastoral Care Line: 239-992-6887 The Pastors, Parish Nurses, Deacons and Visitation Team are available as needs arise. Please leave a message on the Pastoral Care
Line if you or someone you know has been hospitalized, requests a
visit or is in need of prayer.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The First Church Spiritual Development Center offers confidential
counseling, spiritual direction, retreats, classes and resources for
personal and spiritual growth. It is located directly across the street
from the main church campus, at 9696 Bonita Beach Road, Suite
207. There is no charge or fee for services. Appointments for confidential counseling or spiritual direction may be scheduled by calling the Center at 239-221-8250. The Boundaries Course
Offered in two sessions (90 minutes each):
Tuesdays | Feb. 3–Mar. 24| 6:30 PM |Chapel
Thursdays | Feb. 5 –Mar. 26 | 9:30 AM |MCH
To be healthy, we all need physical, mental, emotional and spiritual boundaries… but what do we
say when someone makes demands of our time,
love, energy or money? Based on the book
Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, you’ll learn biblically based answers on
how to set healthy boundaries with parents,
spouses, children, friends, coworkers and even ourselves. Sessions
will be led by members of the SDC staff, Dr. Al Barrow and Pastor
June Barrow. The book, Boundaries, is available at the BookCenter.
Registration is required. To reserve your space, visit Lightner Conference Room this morning during First Stop, You may also contact
the Center (239-221-8250; [email protected]). PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 5
10 AM | Great Room
Our prayer shawls are made
by volunteers and blessed
by one of our pastors before
they are given to those facing difficult times. Anyone
willing to knit or crochet a
shawl according to our easy
instructions is welcome to
attend our meeting this
week.
Visit the Prayer Shawl kiosk
this morning or contact Polly
Grafton (239-949-4632).
COMMUNITY PRAYER
BREAKFAST
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 8 AM
Hyatt Regency/Coconut Pt.
Anyone interested in attending may pick up an invitation
at the Welcome Desk this
morning. The guest speaker
will be David “Mac” McQuiston, President/CEO of CEO
Forum, Inc.
Questions? Contact Nancy
Near at 239-947-6211.
Ash Wednesday
Service
Feb. 18 | 7 PM
in the Sanctuary
As Lent begins,
we receive ashes as a sign
of penitence, marking us for
Christ and showing that we
share in His suffering and
also in His Resurrection.
Pastor June Barrow
will lead this service.
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FIRST THINGS FIRST
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EXPLORING FLORIDA NATURE
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY
At Neon Kids, our mission is to partner
with parents to lead children into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
To learn more, visit neonkids.org, inquire
Sunday at the Children’s Desk or contact Children’s Ministry Coordinator Lauren Hargis ([email protected]; 239-992-3233).
Family Worship Service
Dolphin Sightseeing
Cruise
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 10 AM
Carpool from church parking lot
Nature explorers are invited to
join us for a 2-hour backwater
pontoon boat cruise with a guide
onboard to see the dolphins. Our
host is Sweetwater Outfitters in
Bonita. Their brand-new boat
with restroom facilities is wheelchair accessible. Cost: $25 per
person; bring a picnic lunch and
we will eat together on board at
the dock. We should return to
the church around 1:00.
Sunday, Feb. 15 | 11AM | Sanctuary
One Sunday service each month is held especially for families.
Join us for this upcoming service that includes a message for the
children, after which children through fifth grade are invited to
either attend age-appropriate Neon Kids Sunday school or stay in
worship with their parents.
Kids Night Out
Friday, Feb. 20 | 5–8 PM | FMC
Children ages 1–11 years are invited to experience Kids Night
Out: Craft Edition. Kids will create exciting crafts, DIY projects
and participate in hands-on activities. Open to families of FPC
and Wonder Years Preschool; limited spots available. FPC members: $5/child; non-members: $15/child ($30 max/family). Visit
the Children’s Desk today to RSVP or contact Lauren Hargis by
Feb. 16.
Family Night Programs for All Ages!
To reserve your spot on this fun
outing or for more details about
our group, please contact one of
our coordinators: Don Sauerman
(239-992-6926); Margaret Winn
(239-223-8692); Joan HavensKester (239-961-0861).
Wednesdays, Feb. 25–March 25 | 6–7:30 PM | FMC
Children are invited to participate in our interactive, multimediabased curriculums that teach God’s Word and Christian principles. Lil’ K (3-5 years) and KIDMO (Grades 1-5) feature age appropriate games, crafts and Bible lessons. A new Young Adult
Group will begin (see below), and the middle and high school
students will continue their ongoing Group 3in1. Childcare is provided for children 6 months–2 years of age.
CONCERT SERIES USHERS
YOUNG ADULT GROUP: Faith Commander
Starts Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 6–7:30 PM | LCR
Young adults are invited to view and discuss the DVD series
“Faith Commander: Living Five Values from the Parables of
Jesus.” Learn how to build a legacy of faith and apply five faithbased values to your life. With their trademark humor and faith in
Jesus, the Robertson family of Duck Dynasty fame will challenge
you.
Ushers are needed for this season’s Concert Series events. If
you would like to serve the Sacred Arts Ministry in this way,
please sign up this morning at
the Sacred Arts kiosk in the Narthex or contact Cheryl Bauer
(239-992-3410 ext. 232; [email protected]).
Visit the Children’s Desk today to sign up for Family Night programs.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
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WOMEN’S CONNECTION
Manna for Monday
Mondays | 2 PM | Price Parlor
What Love Is by Kelly Minter guides our study of 1, 2 and 3 John.
Working Women’s Fellowship
Tuesdays | 7 PM | Lightner Conference Room
Come join our DVD study of Andy Stanley’s It Came From Within.
Wednesday in the Word
Wednesdays | 9:30 AM | McClure Hall
Our study is based on the book, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra.
Wednesday Prayer Group
1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 11 AM | Price Parlor
All women are welcome to help us pray for the concerns of our families, friends, church, community, country and world.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Breakfast Fellowship
Thursdays | 7:20 AM
in McClure Hall
We hope you will join us on
Thursday, Feb. 5 and 12 as
Pastor Doug Pratt continues
his discussion of “God’s
Plan for the Back Nine of
Life.” All men are encouraged to invite friends; breakfast is complimentary for
first-time attendees.
For more info, contact Mike
Greene (239-676-1462 or
[email protected]).
Moore on Thursday
Thursdays | 11 AM–1 PM | Chapel
During this 11-week study on Beth Moore’s book, Esther: It’s Tough
Being a Woman, we hope to learn how to trust in God’s providence.
ACoverGirl’sStoryofRedemption
Saturday | March 7 | 10AM–3:30PM
TICKETS: $20 (includes lunch); $15 (no lunch)
As a convenience for you, we are selling tickets at the
Women’s kiosk this morning. A limited number are available with lunch ($20). When those are all sold, we will offer tickets for the
day’s events without lunch ($15). Tickets are also available at the church
Ticket Office, Monday–Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM (239-992-3410 ext. 250).
MEDIA MINISTRY
Part-time Position Available
Our Media Ministry is looking for a part-time employee for the position of Media Assistant to work up to 15 hours per week, October
through April. The Media Assistant will work with Media Specialist
Tommy Hillegass on event setup and DVD/CD duplication. An interest and comfort with electronic equipment is important; training will
be provided.
Contact Director of Sacred Arts Jeff Faux ([email protected]; 239992-3233) for more information and a complete job description.
MILITARY CARE MINISTRY
A package from “home”
means so much to every soldier and a card with a note
thanking them for their willingness to serve can help
their morale.
Visit the Military kiosk today
to pick up flat-rate postal
boxes, instructions and a
list of suggested items.
If you have a loved one in
the military and/or serving
overseas, we hope you will
sign them up to be included
on our prayer list and to also receive care packages.
Just email your request to
Deacon Jim Brandreth
([email protected]; 239992-4167); please include
their name, address and
your contact info.
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FIRST THINGS FIRST
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SINGLE DIRECTION
Single Direction offers opportunities for singles (50+) to gather for
fun and Christian fellowship. In
addition to meeting for brunch after the 11 AM service on Sundays,
activities are scheduled monthly.
Bonita Springs
Historical Society Tour
Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 10:30 AM
Join us for this interesting tour followed by lunch at Carrabba’s.
Dinner & Program
Thursday, Feb. 19 | 6 PM
in McClure Hall
Enjoy a catered dinner and our
guest speaker. Bruce Rosenstatt,
President of Senior Housing Solutions, will explore the options available for senior housing facilities in
our area. Sign up today!
Visit the Single Direction kiosk this
morning to sign up for these
events. Questions? Contact Shirley
Kuaile (1-937-935-4682) or Roger
Clapp ([email protected]).
Come enjoy a hot cup
of premium coffee or tea
and a fresh pastry from
the best local bakeries
(self-serve/donation)
while you relax, connect to
free Wi-Fi or meet with friends.
Open Monday through Thursday
8:30 AM to 4 PM
THE ART OF CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING
Thursdays, Feb. 19–Mar. 26 | 1:00—2:30PM
in Lightner Conf. Rm.
Whether you serve as a deacon, elder, home Communion
facilitator, on the Missions Team or at the Thrift Shop, this
five-part seminar series may be beneficial in improving your
Christian interactive skills. Experienced pastors and laity
present all classes. We encourage you to attend any or all
sessions.
SCHEDULE:
Feb. 19
Mar. 5
Mar. 12
Mar. 19
Mar. 26
Biblical Basis for Caring | Pastor June Barrow
Hospital Volunteer Visits & Confidentiality
Types of Needs/ Places to Serve at FPC
Relationship Skills
Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver
Questions? Contact the Parish Nurse Office (239-992-3233
ext. 296 or [email protected]).
PREPAREDNESS MINISTRY
How to Prepare for a Crisis, PART 2
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 2-3:30 PM | McClure Hall
Do you know where your important documents are located?
Do you have a will or trust? Are you prepared for the death
or chronic illness of a child, spouse, parent or even yourself?
In Part 2, learn how to plan ahead for a crisis legally and
practically. Guest speakers: Attorney/Estate Planner Michael Hill and Connie Duquin.
This seminar is free and open to the community. Reservations are not required but to be assured a packet of information, we ask that you contact Connie Duquin (239-4951744; [email protected]). FIRST STOP... is our coffee & fellowship time after worship. Come
to McClure Hall for refreshments, fellowship, & sign-up opportunities.
TODAY’S KIOSKS
MCCLURE HALL:
Community—Benefit Concerts
Great Banquet
Men’s Ministry
Missions—Café of Life
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Single Direction
Women’s Ministry
ART GALLERY: Lunch Bunch
NARTHEX: Sacred Arts—Ushers
LIGHTNER CONF. ROOM: Spiritual Development Center
FIRST THINGS FIRST
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WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday, February 1
First Light Service, 7:30A, Sanctuary
Worship Service, 9:00A, Sanctuary & CPT
Children’s Choir, 10:00A, FMC #7
Group 3in1 Youth Sunday School, 10:00A, YMO
D.I.G. Bible Study: Acts, 10:05A, GR
The Screwtape Letters Study, 10:05A, Chapel
Worship Service, 11:00A, Sanctuary & CPT
Neon Kids Sunday School, 11:00A, FMC
A Time of Prayer & Communion, 12:00P, Chapel
Recital by Noah Waddell, 12:15P, Sanctuary
Monday, February 2
Visitation Team Meeting, 11:00A, LCR
New Horizons Band Rehearsal, 1:30P, CR
Manna on Monday, 2:00P, Parlor
Bonita Christian Forum, 7:30P, Sanctuary
Tuesday, February 3
GriefShare, 1:30P, Parlor
Tuesday Singers, 1:30P, CR
CE Ministry, 3:00P, LCR
Disciple Group, 3:30P, GR
Worship & Music Ministry, 4:00P, CR
The Boundaries Class, 6:30P, Chapel
Working Women’s Fellowship, 7:00P, LCR
Harry Chapin Benefit Concert, 7:30P, Sanctuary
Wednesday, February 4
Building & Grounds, 8:00A, LCR
Wednesday in the Word, 9:30A, MCH
Women’s Prayer Group, 11:00A, Parlor
Women’s Ministry Team/O’Neill Event, 1:00P, HHC
New Horizons Band Rehearsal, 2:30P, Chancel
Women’s Ministry Leadership Team, 2:30P, LCR
Jubilate Bells, 5:45P, Sanctuary
Men’s Choir, 6:00P, Chapel
Group 3in1 Youth Ministry, 6:00P, FMC #8
Chancel Choir, 7:00P, CR
Thursday, February 5
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, 7:20A, MCH
Banner Committee, 9:00A, GR
The Boundaries Class, 9:30A, MCH
Prayer Shawl Ministry, 10:00A, GR
Moore on Thursday, 11:00A, Chapel & Parlor
Mission Prayer Team, 11:00A, HHC
OSL Class, 12:30, HHC
OSL Reunion Group, 2:00P, LCR
Monthly Prayer & Share Group, 2:30P, HHC
Men’s Great Banquet, 6:00P, Church Campus
Friday, February 6
Dixie Disciples Rehearsal, 9:00A, CR
Sunday, February 8
First Light Service, 7:30A, Sanctuary
Worship Service, 9:00A, Sanctuary & CPT
Children’s Choir, 10:00A, FMC #7
Group 3in1 Youth Sunday School, 10:00A, YMO
Worship Service, 11:00A, Sanctuary & CPT
Neon Kids Sunday School, 11:00A, FMC
A Time of Prayer & Communion, 12:00P, Chapel
CPT=CenterPoint
CR=Choir Room
FMC=Family Ministries Ctr.
GR=Great Room
HHC=Hawk Hospitality Ctr.
LCR=Lightner Conf. Rm.
MCH=McClure Hall
Mezz=Mezzanine
YMO=Youth Ministry Office
FPC BOOKCENTER
Visit our BookCenter for a wide selection of
non-fiction, fiction, devotionals, Bibles and
classic Christian literature. Open Sunday after
worship; Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–3 PM.
Featured Titles This Week
America: Turning a Nation to God Tony Evans
Using insightful truths and illustrations, this
book brings to light the core cause of our
country’s current instabilities and presents a
plan to revive it.
Lord Foulgrin’s Letters Randy Alcorn
This insightful Biblical depiction of spiritual
warfare is a present day Screwtape Letters.
Sensible Shoes Sharon Garlough Brown
The lives of four strangers are woven together
as they reluctantly arrive at a retreat center
and begin a journey of spiritual transformation.
The Integrated Life Ken Eldred
Written by the current CEO of Living Stones
Foundation, this book reveals how to find deep
integration between our work and faith so that
all areas of our lives fulfill our life mission.
“Hope Among the Wreckage”
Ezekiel 37:1-6 & 10-14 (NLT)
The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with
bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these
bones become living people again?”
“O Sovereign LORD,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”
4
Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the
word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and
make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into
you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
… 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came
to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.
11
Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, ‘We
have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.’ 12 Therefore, prophesy to them and
say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you
to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 When this happens, O my people, you will
know that I am the LORD. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your
own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the LORD
has spoken!’”
__________________
SERMON NOTES 9751 Bonita Beach Road | Bonita Springs, FL 34135 | 239.992.3233 | fpcbonita.org
First Academy of Music ~ 239.992.3410 | First Thrift Shop ~ 239.992.0285
Spiritual Development Center ~ 239.221.8250 | Wonder Years Preschool ~ 239.948.6677